Hewitt pledges end to waiting lists

12 April 2012

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has pledged an end to waiting lists "as we have known them" by the end of 2008.

In a resumed debate on the Queen's Speech, Ms Hewitt promised to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks from GP referral to the operation.

But Liberal Democrat spokesman Steve Webb accused her of falsely raising public expectations with "misleading" claims.

Ms Hewitt told the Commons: "By the end of 2008 we will have cut waiting times from 18 months, just for the operation, to a maximum of 18 weeks, and for most people far less, from GP referral, right through to the operating theatre, including all the tests and outpatient appointments in between.

"That means more change and of course that is not easy. But for most patients, for most operations, it will mean the end of waiting lists as we have known them.

"What an achievement that will be for the 60th anniversary of the NHS."

Ms Hewitt said the Government had made its promise and challenged the Liberal Democrats to support them.

Labour former minister Chris Mullin said there had been significant achievements in the health service but constant changes had been "de-stabilising and demoralising" for staff.

Ms Hewitt assured him: "In terms of the changes we've made over the last year to primary care trusts and strategic health authorities, I most certainly can promise you that period of calm."

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